1. COBB COUNTY PEER COURT

2. WHAT IS PEER COURT?
A youth focused, youth driven alternative system of justice, which offers first-time juvenile offenders an opportunity to admit responsibility for their offenses and receive constructive sentencing by their peers.
Peer volunteers do not determine the guilt or innocence of juvenile offenders; rather they recommend a constructive sentence for the juvenile defendant such as:
Restitution
Community service
Counseling

3. GOALS OF PEER COURT
Assist teen offenders in recognizing that they are responsible for their behaviors and that the consequences they experience are a direct result of their actions.
Help promote a positive attitude toward authority.
Provide a forum for teens to experience the judiciary system and reduce the likelihood of the youth reoffending.
Establish positive relationships between the community and its youth.

4. HOW DOES IT OPERATE? Peer Court most closely resembles a mock trial.
Our Court has chosen to utilize the adult judge model. Statically, this model is the most successful.

5. WHO IS INVOLVED? JUDGE DEFENDANT PROSECUTOR DEFENSE ATTORNEY
JURY OF SIX TO TWELVE
BAILIFF
CLERK

6. THE JUDGE
The Judge’s role is strictly limited, as this is a Court that is youth driven.
The judge is an attorney.
The judge is present primarily to ensure that the hearing proceeds as it should.
The judge will also determine what evidence is admissible and make general rulings.

7. DEFENDANT
A juvenile who has been charged with and has admitted to a misdemeanor.
The defendant’s case has been referred to the Diversion Unit by either Intake, the Court, or by a probation officer.
The defendant and parent/guardian agree to participate in Peer Court.

8. PROSECUTOR The prosecutor is a juvenile volunteer.
Since the defendant has already admitted guilt, the prosecutor presents evidence to the jury that assists them with determining the sanctions.

9. DEFENSE ATTORNEY The defense attorney is a juvenile volunteer.
The defense attorney defends the character of the defendant and presents additional information that is relevant to the case.

10. JURY The jury is comprised of six to twelve juveniles.
The jury hears the evidence, deliberates, and gives the sanction.

11. Bailiff The bailiff is a juvenile volunteer.
The bailiff will call the court to order and assist in the proceedings.

12. CLERK The clerk is a juvenile volunteer.
The clerk will be responsible for monitoring the files, completing the paperwork, ensuring that the confidentiality forms are signed, and making copies.

13. TRAINING
All Peer Court volunteers complete a training called “Law School.
LAW SCHOOL
Is hours long.
Youth are taught about the types offenses that will be heard in Peer Court.
The students learn how to function in each role. We will rotate to allow each volunteer to serve as a juror, clerk, bailiff, prosecutor, and defense attorney.
Volunteers learn:
How to prepare a case
How to interview witnesses
Courtroom etiquette
Legal terminology

14. THE SELECTION PROCESS
Cases are referred to the Diversion Unit from Intake, the Court, and probation officers.
Michael Thomas and I meet with the defendant and a parent/legal guardian.
We pick cases that are suitable for Peer Court and discuss the process with the families. We inform them about the requirements and the benefits of participating.
Cases are assigned to a Peer Court and given a “Court Date.”

15. BEFORE THE HEARING
The Defense Attorney and Prosecutors are given the file to review and prepare for the hearing.
The defendant and his/her parent(s) arrive early.
They meet with the Defense Attorney who has already reviewed the file.
The Defense Attorney interviews the family and gathers additional background information.
The Prosecutor can compile evidence, such as videos pertaining to the offense.

16. COURT PROCEEDINGS The Court is called to order by the Bailiff.
The judge swears in the volunteers and everyone signs the Confidentiality Oath.(Copies are kept in each file).
The hearing takes place.
The jury deliberates. (While they deliberate, a second case is called in and is presented until that case reaches jury deliberation).
The jury returns and gives the verdict.
The paperwork is signed.
The case is assigned to a Diversion Team member to supervise.

17. What Makes Peer Court Different
Peer Court is centered around positive peer pressure.
Defendants receive additional services (classes, community service, jury participation in another hearing).
Peer Court educates and empowers youth volunteers.
Allows juveniles the opportunity to participate in a Court proceeding.
Defendants are required to serve as jurors as part of their dispositions.
Offers an opportunity for young people to connect positively with adults and youth from their community.

18. IMPORTANT DATES September 26th – Law School 9-3 p.m.
October 3rd and October 10th- Law School- 6-8:30 pm.
October 17th – Swearing In Ceremony
November 7th- FIRST PEER COURT

19. HOW CAN I HELP? Refer cases for youth on your caseload
We will handle cases that are diverted to Probation Officers after the case is staffed.
Volunteer to help with training or with Peer Court sessions
Spread the word about Peer Court
Refer your children, family members, friends, and neighbors

20. SPECIAL THANKS!!!! We would like to thank our volunteers:
Joann McClure, Tracy Shirkey, and Andrew Ulrich